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Tag Archives: Minnesota

Rhymesayer’s annual Soundset Festival will once again take over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for what should be yet another good time. Although some people were a tad upset with last minute no shows and randomly switching set times, last year’s event ended up being solid for the most part; especially for anyone who stayed for Travis Scott’s headlining set. This year, once again, the lineup features a very eclectic roster including headliners Erykah Badu, Migos, and Logic; as well as sets from Tyler The Creator, Ice T, Brockhampton, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jaden Smith among others. Soundset has always been about more than just music, so make sure to check out the live graffiti section, car show, and B Boy/B Girl dance off. Soundset is all ages and it appears that VIP passes are already sold out. General admission tickets are still available for the base price of $82 ($97 after fees), but will surely rise as we get closer to the event. Click the link below for a complete guide to Soundset 2018 and to buy your tickets.

When it comes to acclaimed burger joints in Minnesota, the Twin Cities metro usually garners most of the mentions, but a little known spot in Eden Prairie is a MUST stop for burger lovers. The restaurant known as The Lions Tap is situated along the Minnesota river in an area that can only be described as rural (not suburban). Their claim to fame is perfectly made medium rare patties with precision, no frills, no bullshit, no “jams” or “aiolis,” just good ass burgers. Their menu only extends to five burgers and 1 side, crinkle cut fries that always come out perfect, just like the burgers. One of the few mom & pop shops to beat McDonalds in court (undisclosed settlement), it’s no longer about funds, it’s all about the love at the Lions Tap. Although technically a brewery, this is a family establishment, so be mindful of dinner rushes and weekends to avoid crowds. If you have the time, I highly recommend you take a trip to the southwest ‘burbs to enjoy this gem, click the link below for more information.

Last Thursday, Bay Area rapper G Eazy stopped by the Twin Cities on his “The Beautiful & Damned” Tour. The Oakland native was joined by openers Anthony Russo, Phora, and L.A’s own burgeoning talent Trippie Redd. This one sold out shortly after the doors opened and the line easily wrapped outside of the ticketing lobby. The opening acts all did their thing, but Trippie Redd clearly stood out as a fan favorite. The young artist shined brightly in front of a packed house showing an incredible amount of poise while bringing his Soundcloud hits to life. With the crowd properly warmed up, G Eazy took the stage to ear popping screams, it was obvious who the audience was there to see. Staple tracks like “Sober” and “Her & I,” off his most recent album, The Beautiful & Damned, proved to be highlights, but it was clear that G Eazy could do no wrong in front of this crowd. An artist that has always gotten love in the Twin Cities, Eazy appeared at home and comfortable commanding 5000 fans. The entirety of the event went without any snags which is actually pretty rare in this day and age, say what you want about the Roy Wilkins’ sound, but this particular show was very well managed. G Eazy is a polarizing figure who continues to rise through Hip Hop’s ranks, but one thing that is for sure is that he puts on a damn good show. Check out a few pics above and be on the look out for more from G Eazy he continues his tour.

The good people from Surly Brewing have began opening up their cellars on every third Monday of each month. Craft beer fanatics and fans of the brewery can finally get their hands on previous years of Surly Darkness and coveted anniversary editions from years past. These tend to attract large crowds, so if you’re really dying to find a specific bottle you should plan on arriving early.

Bay Area native G-Eazy has had an interesting journey through the hip hop ranks. Out of the gate he was widely considered a dime a dozen “white rapper”, but upon further inspection listeners began to make genuine connections with Eazy’s depth. After honing his style and grinding out his own lane, G-Eazy delivered one of 2017s better albums in The Beautiful & Damned. With a surging fan base and fast rising openers Trippie Redd, Phora, and Anthony Russo; his St. Paul stop may be the Twin Cities’ best hip hop show in the month of March. This show is all ages and tickets are currently available for $80, click the link below to buy yours now.

Miami’s own Lil Pump will be live at First Avenue next Monday. The young artist is one of hip hop’s more controversial in recent years, the youth touts him as a new age star; while older generations regard him as a detriment to the culture as a whole. No matter your opinion on the subject, Pump has arguably one of the hottest songs of the year in “Gucci Gang,” and he continues to thrive as an independent artist. The Twin Cities’ own Devon Reason will open up the night, rounding out what should be a fun show. Tickets for this show are already SOLD OUT, so if you’re dying to go you’ll have to surf social media, try craigslist, or deal with scalpers. Good luck.

P.O.S has a busy December ahead of him. His “Chill, Dummy” tour just kicked off it’s European leg with 10 stops across 6 countries. Shortly after returning to the states he will team up with Surly Brewing for what should be an awesome NYE party. The night will also feature performances from Later Babes, as well as DJs Ander Other and Rowsheen. This is bound to be a high energy affair and there’s no telling who else might make an appearance throughout the night. This show is now SOLD OUT, your best bet for tickets might be Facebook or Twitter.

The guys from Phenom have always been super clean while remaining low key. They’ve found a great aesthetic and clientele base that has allowed them to branch out into California with a 3rd location. As of late things have been slow for their flagship releases, but their “Gold Script” tee has been turning heads. Flashy, yet clean, the “Gold Script” tee is currently available for $32. If you like what you see, click the link below for a better look.

The Twin Cities are currently going through quite the wave of gentrification. Almost everywhere you look across both cities, working class and art based neighborhoods are being transformed into higher end enclaves for the fortunate. One look around Uptown, Lowertown, Northeast, the North Loop, or Dinkytown neighrboods will quickly confirm this. Low and behold, the southside’s Phillip’s West & Powderhorn neighrborhoods remain relatively unscathed by the ever-reaching arms of gentrication.

East Lake street still stands as one of Minneapolis’ most diverse stretches, many of these qualities converge at the Midtown Global Market on Chicago Avenue. A world’s fair of sorts, the market doesn’t initially come off as a good place for a brewery; all fears were quelled upon arrival. Most breweries don’t have an abundance of food options for their patrons, this in turn makes the Midtown Global Market the perfect place for a brewery. The guys keep a solid rotation of beers on tap as well as bombers; the Blue Liner, Pomegranate Sassy, and Kirby Sour all being top notch. The space feels bright and warm, with yellow accents and all wood everything. I also like the fact that this taproom has TVs unlike a lot of the other spots around town, they also offer a few arcade games tucked away in the back. Throw in a spacious sidewalk patio on Lake Street and you’ve got a place that’s hard to resist, especially for beer drinkers who want to steer away from the hustle & bustle of some of the more crowded taprooms.

East Lake Brewery might not have the glitz and glam, but they do offer good beers in a comfortable environment. The fact that they have access to such an abundance of awesome food really sets this place apart in my book. East Lake isn’t a “place to be seen” per say, but a place to gather with friends over some damn good food and damn good beer. Check it out for yourself and make sure to keep an eye out for more from the guys at East Lake Brewery.

Modist Brewing has garnered their fair share of awards and accolades over the course of their short tenure. One of their more highly anticipated releases is their annual “Lord Humungus” Imperial Rye Stout. “Borne from the blood and fire of the Wasteland,” this year’s version is made from more than 53% Malted Rye, Chocolate Rye, and Caramel Rye, clocking in at just under 12%. These will only be available at Noon in very limited quantities leading into the evening’s Halloween festivities. The night will feature live performances from Chalk, Black Widows, BloodnStuff, and Savage Aural Hotbed, all for the price of $5. Make sure to get there early if you plan on buying a bottle of Lord Humungus, click the link below for more information.